if it counts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it counts" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, and you can use it to imply that something is not considered to be as important or meaningful as other items.
For example, "I've been working here for three years now, if it counts for anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

We can be doing this child no harm by choosing it over its healthy twin, and its twin, if it counts as a being that can be harmed at all by being aborted, is not harmed in any extra way in virtue of having a twin who will live with an anomaly.

SEP

And, if it counts for anything, economist Austan Goolsbee also thinks the Blackhawks are a good bet.

The Guardian - Sport

His music has not found itself yet, and if it counts on his character rescuing it, then it may be lost.

The Guardian - Film

"It does hit the ground between Dickov striking it and the ball crossing the line," admits Alex, "so I'm not sure if it counts.

The Guardian - Sport

He had just assured United of the biggest away victory in their history, that is if it counts higher than a win 100 years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

They have rejected every single proposition if it counts one dollar, one cent in additional cost to people making a million dollars".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

For that matter, Thailand could claim an instant 18% jump in gross domestic product if it counted its underground economy.

Forbes

"The reliability of its decision-making is so high," said Dr. Bialek, "that it couldn't do much better if it counted every single molecule in its environment".

The New York Times - Science

Under the random judging, however, no one knows if it counted.

The New York Times - Sports

But his great gift is to write convincingly about romance as if it counted, as if he knew it was anything but light.

The Guardian - Books

He also argued that Florida would be inconsistent if it counted votes in one part of the state differently from votes in another.This is the Founding Fathers meet Carl Hiaasen.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if it counts" to subtly downplay the significance of a statement or fact, inviting the listener or reader to consider its relative unimportance or potential lack of impact.

Common error

Avoid using "if it counts" excessively in formal writing or presentations. It can come across as dismissive or lacking confidence. Opt for more direct and assertive language to convey your points effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it counts" functions as a conditional qualifier, suggesting uncertainty or questioning the relevance or significance of a preceding statement. It introduces a condition that might affect the interpretation or value of the information presented. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if it counts" serves as a conditional qualifier used to express doubt or downplay the significance of a statement. It's grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse sources, although its informality makes it less suitable for formal or professional contexts. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is most effective when used to subtly question the importance of something. Remember to consider context and audience when using "if it counts" to ensure clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it matters

Focuses on the importance or relevance rather than whether something is included or not.

if it is of any consequence

Emphasizes the impact or result of something, rather than its mere existence.

if it holds any weight

Highlights the influence or importance of something in a decision or evaluation.

if it has any bearing

Stresses the connection or relevance to the matter at hand.

assuming it's relevant

Poses the condition of relevancy more directly as an assumption.

provided it's significant

Highlights the condition that something must be significant to be considered.

if it's worth considering

Questions whether the thing is worthwhile to contemplate, assess, or evaluate.

assuming it is taken into account

Explicitly focuses on whether something will be considered in an evaluation or decision.

should it be considered

Poses a direct question about whether something ought to be taken into account.

does it even register

Questions whether something makes any impression or is noticed at all.

FAQs

How can I use "if it counts" in a sentence?

You can use "if it counts" to suggest that something may not be important or relevant, like, "I finished the project on time, "if it counts", since the deadline was extended."

What's the difference between "if it counts" and "if it matters"?

"If it counts" questions whether something will be considered or have an impact, whereas "if it matters" questions the importance or relevance of something overall.

Are there situations where "if it counts" is not appropriate?

Yes, avoid using "if it counts" in situations where you need to express confidence or authority. It's best suited for informal conversations or when downplaying your own achievements.

What can I say instead of "if it counts" to sound more formal?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "provided it is significant", "if it is relevant", or "assuming it holds weight" to convey a similar meaning with greater precision.